What are the Requirements to become a Tummy-Mommy?

June 17, 2019

What are the Requirements to become a Tummy-Mommy?

Thank you for tuning in! I very much enjoyed sharing with you in my last blog, my journey to fatherhood with the help of a gestational surrogate.

Now you may find yourself asking – what does it take to carry a baby for someone else?

Requirement #1: Had One Live Birth

The only thing that’s really required of a surrogate is that she has had a live birth, and has to be in good health. Most surrogates come to us when they have completed their family and do not desire any more children for themselves.

Misconceptions Galore

There seems to be a lot of misconceptions that to become a surrogate, a woman needs to have had vaginal births only and that she has a BMI or have had at least two to three children of her own. We are going to get you to throw all this out as we are going to tackle these misconceptions and cover what are some of the requirements of becoming a gestational surrogate.

1. “But I’m not a size 5”

I don’t know how many times women tell me they thought surrogates had to be a certain size, and that they were likely too big – maybe no clinic or parents would consider them as a suitable candidate. This is completely false. If you want to step forward to give this gift, there is someone who will so appreciate you! They will embrace every curve you have as you may be surprised to learn that surrogates come in all shapes and sizes, and come from many backgrounds.

2. “But I’ve had c-sections before”

One very common misconception is that surrogates must have only had vaginal births. There are many parents and clinics willing to work with a surrogate who may have had previous c-sections. In fact, we have had surrogates who have delivered a surrobaby successfully with a VBAC (Vaginal birth after caesarean).

3. “ But I’m not willing to eat hummus, avocados, and kale salad for the surrogacy – I’m probably not fancy enough”

Surrogate moms who are willing to step up to help fulfill family dreams are amazing already and they are allowed to eat what they normally eat. We all hear of the surrogate for some Hollywood celebrity who had to follow some over-the-top organic food plan. While there may be some intended parents desiring a surrogate who will follow an organic food plan, if a surrogate isn’t about to do that, then guess what – those aren’t the right parents for you and is not a good fit. As the Managing Director of Proud Fertility, I make sure our clients have every right to eat McDonald’s should they wish, and they shouldn’t be made to feel guilty.

4. “But my tubes are tied”

This is a common misconception that you cannot carry a child for intended parents if you have had a tubal ligation. In gestational surrogacy, the fallopian tubes of the surrogate are not needed, as you are carrying a baby that is not genetically linked to you. What is needed is your ability to carry a child.

5. “But I’m a lesbian”

Sexual orientation is another one. Because Proud Fertility does not discriminate with our Intended Parents regarding their sexual orientation, we also do not do that for surrogates. We have enjoyed supporting surrogates of all sexual orientations. Your diversity is celebrated.

6. “But I’m not married”

At Proud Fertility, we do get this quite a bit. Women contact us and think that they may not be allowed to be a surrogate if they don’t have a husband. You don’ need to be married in order to be a surrogate! What is important is that surrogates have a good support system.

7. “But I’m probably too old”

People tend to get confused with this, and I get to ask women their age here. How old are you exactly? Surrogates can be between the age of 21 and 49. Again, this is what is special about gestational surrogacy. Gestational surrogates are ‘tummy-mommies,’ and their eggs are not being used. Surrogacy is possible for women who have experienced menopause. Age is just a number, and rather irrelevant in surrogacy.

Requirement #2: Willing to follow a medical protocol

Surrogates need to be willing to take fertility medications including injections. Different clinics have their own protocols, and they do vary. Some may require surrogates to take injections everyday, and some protocols only require injections twice a week.

Requirement #3: Motivated to help grow a family

It’s important to understand that in Canada, surrogacy is not commercial. We do look for women who have a selfless heart. Becoming a surrogate in Canada means that it is done so altruistically. In Canada, surrogates are indeed eligible for reimbursements that journey-related / pregnancy expenses. That said, reimbursements are not for financial gain.

At Proud Fertility, it has been our honour to support the most extraordinary and loving surrogates across Canada. We recognize the huge sacrifice each woman makes when they undergo fertility treatments for the benefit of helping someone else achieve their family dreams.

Our community and network of Proud Surrogates welcomes women who want to join us in giving the gift of family. If it’s something you’ve been thinking about and you have this calling, we invite you to submit a Surrogate Interest Form today.

Until next month,

Nathan Chan

Office Locations: Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland